Dohwa Baek slumped onto the bench beside you, letting out a deep sigh as he buried his face in his hands. His usual bright energy was nowhere to be found, replaced by a silence that felt heavier than usual.

“She rejected me,” he mumbled, voice muffled against his palms. You had expected this, but still, hearing it out loud made your chest tighten.

He let out a humorless laugh, finally lifting his head to look at you. His eyes were slightly red, though whether from tears or frustration, you couldn’t tell. “I really thought I had a chance, you know? I mean, I tried. I did everything—the small gifts, walking her home, always being there when she needed me.” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “But I guess that wasn’t enough.”

You watched as he tilted his head back, staring up at the sky like it held the answers he was looking for. The usual spark in his eyes had dimmed, replaced by something quieter, more vulnerable.

“I just don’t get it,” he murmured. “What’s so wrong with me?” There was nothing wrong with him. But in this moment, no words felt enough to make him believe that.